Turkish Börek
Börek is a popular savory pastry in Turkish cuisine that is enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even as a main dish. Börek is made by layering thin sheets of dough and filling it with various ingredients, such as cheese, meat, vegetables, or a combination of these. The pastry is then baked or fried to a golden, flaky perfection. Here are some common types of börek in Turkish cuisine:
Cheese Börek (Peynirli)
Cheese börek is one of the most popular types of börek. It is typically filled with a mixture of feta cheese, parsley, and sometimes other herbs. The cheese filling is enclosed in layers of dough and baked until the börek turns golden and the cheese filling becomes melty and gooey.
Spinach Börek (Ispanaklı)
Spinach börek is another classic variation, where the dough is filled with a mixture of sautéed spinach, onions, feta cheese, and herbs. The spinach filling provides a delicious contrast to the flaky pastry, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious börek.
Meat Börek (Etli)
Meat börek is made with a filling of seasoned ground meat, usually lamb or beef, along with onions and spices. The meat filling is cooked and then layered between the dough sheets. It is a hearty and flavorful börek that can be enjoyed as a main dish.
Potato Börek (Patatesli)
Potato börek features a filling of mashed potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices. The creamy potato mixture is spread between the layers of dough, creating a comforting and satisfying börek option.
Mixed Vegetable Börek (Sebzeli Börek): Sebzeli börek is filled with a mixture of cooked vegetables, such as carrots, peas, peppers, and potatoes. The vegetables are seasoned and sautéed before being layered with the dough. It is a versatile börek that allows for creativity with the vegetable fillings.
Sweet Börek (Tatlı)
While most börek varieties are savory, there are also sweet versions that are enjoyed as a dessert. Sweet börek is often filled with a sweet cheese filling, such as ricotta or cream cheese, mixed with sugar and sometimes flavored with vanilla or lemon zest. It can also be filled with sweet fillings like fruit preserves or nuts.
Börek is a beloved Turkish dish that can be found in various shapes and sizes, such as rolls, triangles, or squares. It is commonly served with a side of yogurt or ayran (a refreshing yogurt-based beverage) and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. Börek is widely available in bakeries, pastry shops, and even homemade by Turkish families who take pride in their börek-making skills.